ST. PAUL, Minn. - Thomas Vanek had Minnesota high on his list from the start. Hes not the first NHL free agent to do so, and the way the Wild have been progressing he probably wont be the last. Vanek agreed Tuesday to a three-year, $19.5 million contract, giving an improving lineup a potentially prolific scorer and allowing the Austrian-born left wing to settle in an area he has made his home since college. Two summers ago, the Wild turned heads by landing left wing Zach Parise and defenceman Ryan Suter. Now theyve added another top-market free agent in Vanek, whose 277 goals are the eighth-most in the NHL since his debut nine years ago. "What intrigued me the most was obviously with Zach signing here and Suter signing here, this team is getting really good and is very good," Vanek said, adding: "Im extremely thrilled to be a part of the Wild and of a group like this." According to a person with knowledge of the contract who spoke to on condition of anonymity because the team did not announce the value, Vanek will make $5.5 million this season, $6.5 million in 2014-15 and $7.5 million in 2015-16. Vanek lives with his family in Stillwater, an idyllic riverfront suburb a few miles from Xcel Energy Center. He played two seasons at the University of Minnesota before turning pro with Buffalo and called winning the national championship with the Gophers the "best thing" hes done in his hockey career. "To be a part of the Wild now and go after the big prize and having a chance to do it in Minnesota is beyond my wildest dreams," Vanek said. Vanek was the fifth overall pick by the Sabres in 2003. He had two 40-goal seasons for them, but last fall he was traded to the New York Islanders, who later dealt him to Montreal. He totalled 27 goals over 78 games with the three teams. In the playoffs with the Canadiens, he had five goals and five assists in 17 games. Vaneks production slipped at times this season, and he was even benched briefly during the post-season, but the Wild werent deterred. "It certainly wasnt my best one I can tell you that. But Ill take the blame for that," Vanek said. "Its not always easy moving around and being away from my family." Vanek will play on either the first or second line, with some combination of Parise, Jason Pominville, Charlie Coyle, Mikko Koivu and Mikael Granlund likely filling the other top five forward spots. Vaneks 113 power-play goals since his 2005-06 rookie season are the third-most in the NHL in that span. The 6-foot-2, 217-pound Vanek has the type of finishing ability around the net the Wild have lacked. "Theres no question that we do have some skill, but we dont score goals easily," coach Mike Yeo said. Vanek turned down seven-year offers, including from the Islanders. When Pominville was traded to the Wild last year, Vanek was the one who encouraged his long-time Sabres teammate. "He loved Buffalo a lot, which I did too," Vanek said. "But I told him, Youll like it there. Theres a lot of good fans. And after a week or so, he called me and said, You know what? Youre right. I do like it here a lot." Unlike in the other major pro sports, Minnesota can be a destination market in the NHL because of its hockey roots. The addition of Parise and Suter and the Wilds advancement to the Western Conference semifinals this spring were further steps toward NHL prominence. "People recognize the talent that you have. So were getting better. Were in a good place," general manager Chuck Fletcher said. Defenceman Clayton Stoner (Anaheim), left wing Matt Moulson (Buffalo) and centre Cody McCormick (Buffalo) departed the Wild as unrestricted free agents. Others in that category not expected back are left wing Dany Heatley and goalie Ilya Bryzgalov. Defenceman Nate Prosser could return for the right price. The Wild also signed defenceman Stu Bickel (one year) and centre Brett Sutter (two years) to two-way contracts, adding depth with players wholl likely bounce between AHL affiliate Iowa and the parent club. The 27-year-old Sutter, the son of Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles coach Darryl Sutter, has played in 54 career NHL games with Calgary and Carolina. Bickel, a native of Chanhassen who played one season for the Gophers, played in 67 games for the New York Rangers over a two-year span. He spent last season in the AHL. ___ AP Sports Writer John Wawrow in Buffalo, New York, contributed to this report. Clearance MLB Jerseys . The 26-year-old Sobotka injured his left leg playing for the St. Louis Blues in a 3-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday. The Blues said he would not recover from the injury in time for the Olympic tournament. Fake Nike MLB Jerseys .A. 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According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, the New York Rangers winger skated with extras and goalies today.Tom Brady and Peyton Manning will meet for the 15th time in their careers on Sunday when the Denver Broncos host the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game. The Patriots are 10-4 with Brady at quarterback playing Manning-led teams. The two quarterbacks have been the kings of the AFC since Brady entered in relief of Drew Bledsoe in the third game of the Patriots 2001 season. The two will likely go down as the top two quarterbacks of a generation but who will leave the NFL with a greater legacy, Brady or Manning? Broncos receiver Wes Welker is one of just four men ever to catch an NFL pass from both Brady and Manning and the only one to catch more than four passes from both. Welker refused to compare the two at his press conference this week, saying, "Its like comparing Picasso and Michelangelo. Its hard to do." The comparison of the two, seeing as they play the same position, in the same conference and in the same league may not be quite as difficult. Mannings career downfalls have always come in the playoffs. With Manning under centre, the Colts exited the playoffs in their first game of the postseason seven times in 11 trips. For his regular season achievements, Manning was named NFL MVP in 2003, 2004, 2008 and 2009. He is the only four-time MVP in NFL history. Despite all of his successes with the Colts, Mannings legacy with the team is overshadowed by just one Super Bowl victory - against the Chicago Bears in 2006. Manning threw for 247 yards in the game with one touchdown and one interception. He was named Super Bowl MVP. The Colts made it back to the Super Bowl three years later in 2009 against the New Orleans Saints. Manning threw for 333 yards in the game and one touchdown, however a crucial interception, down 24-17 late in the fourth quarter ended the Colts hopes for another Lombardi trophy. Manning signed with the Denver Broncos in 2012 and once again put up strong regular season numbers - 37 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He was named comeback player of the year and MVP runner-up. Howevver, after a 13-3 regular season record, the Broncos lost in their first playoff game to the Baltimore Ravens in double overtime.dddddddddddd In 2013, Manning came out impassioned and put up the best numbers of his careers, starting by tying an NFL record with seven touchdowns in a game in the Broncos season opener. Manning set NFL records in touchdowns (55) and yards (5477). The Broncos won their first game of the playoffs against the San Diego Chargers and earned the right to host the AFC Championship game. Brady started his career with great success, winning the Super Bowl three times in his first four seasons as a starting quarterback; twice being named Super Bowl MVP. However, Brady hasnt been crowned NFL champion since. In 2007, Brady had the best season of his career, throwing for a record 50 touchdowns passes while leading the Patriots to a perfect 16-0 record. Brady was named NFL MVP for his efforts. As the team approached becoming the first team in NFL history to go 19-0, they met the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. The Patriots lost 17-14 to Giants and Peyton Mannings younger brother, Eli, was named Super Bowl MVP. In 2011, New England reached the Super Bowl again and Brady was named the NFL MVP for the second time in his career. The Patriots once again played the Giants in the Super Bowl and once again lost. This season, Brady led the Patriots into the playoffs for a fifth straight season and after a decisive victory over the Colts in the divisional round, Brady is one game away from reaching the sixth Super Bowl of his career. Something no quarterback has ever done. Manning ranks above Brady in almost every career statistic. Manning also has the edge in league MVPs 4-2, however, Bradys three Super Bowl trophies loom large over Peytons lone victory over Rex Grossmans Chicago Bears. Theres little doubt that Brady and Manning will go down as two of the greatest passers in NFL history, but which quarterback will leave the NFL with the greater legacy, Manning or Brady? As always, its your! Call. ' ' '